Acrylic, 11 by 14 panel. If I paint the same rocks from a slightly different angle, is that acceptable, or must I go through life seeking new rocks?

Sycamore leaves on a perfect fall day in Oklahoma.

Oil on 11 by 14 inch primed hardboard. The reference photo does have the subject displaying an amused expression, which is entirely appropriate. But he also looks as though he is about to checkmate his chess opponent. Again.

We are all pretty much “works in progress”.

Oil on 11 by 14 inch canvas. The canvas was prepared with a burnt sienna undertone. Private collection.

Oil on 8 by 10 inch canvas panel. Rural Oklahoma scene.

Oil on 11 by 14 inch primed masonite. The scene is from Lake Arbuckle in south central Oklahoma. The painting is currently on display for sale  in a coffeeshop in Boulder, Colorado.

Acrylic on 11 by 14 inch primed and toned masonite.  The scene is from the Mount Audobon hiking trail in Colorado.

Oil on12 by 12 inch canvas board. Spray varnished.

Oil on primed masonite. Normally I paint rocks, trees, and water – in any combination, but I thought I would give portrait painting a try. This painting was meant as a souvenir for my daughter, who recently returned from two years’ service in the Peace Corps in Benin, West Africa. So far I have learned you need to work from a really good reference photo, not one taken in an airport’s dimly lit parking garage, of someone who promptly flies off for another part of the world, and I have also learned that you should really start learning to paint portraits by avoiding painting a family member. Start with strangers!

Oil on primed masonite. My son does have the good sense to be amused. This first version has been getting more muddled with each passing workday, so I plan to give this version a rest for awhile. Every project is not a success, but there is something to learn from every project, if only patience and humility, but in this case, the project has taught quite a bit along the way already, and the goals are long term.